The Indian Navy is set to commission the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) class, the SVL Ikshak, at the Naval Base in Kochi on 6 November 2025. Present at the ceremony will be Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., Kolkata, Ikshak marks a landmark in India’s drive for maritime self-reliance, with over 80% of its content sourced domestically under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The vessel’s primary mission will be hydrographic surveying, mapping ports, harbours, navigational channels and underwater terrain both in coastal waters and the deep sea. It is equipped with state-of-the-art tools: a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder for detailed seabed mapping, an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for underwater inspections, four Survey Motor Boats for flexible operations, and a helicopter deck that adds aerial reach and multi-domain capability. These assets enable the Navy to build accurate charts, support safe maritime navigation, and enhance coastal and offshore security.
The name “Ikshak”, drawn from Sanskrit meaning “Guide”, reflects the ship’s purpose, to guide India’s maritime ambitions, anchor hydrographic excellence and lead from the front in surveying and charting. As India’s Strategic maritime footprint expands, Ikshak stands as both a symbol and tool of maritime strength, innovation and domestic industrial capability.
